What was arguably one of the best symphonic performances of the year, was recently experienced by 17 fortunate students from Colton High School (CHS), who joined CHS teacher, Dr. G, for the Saturday evening concert presented by the San Bernardino Symphony.
The 7:30 p.m. concert was part of a wonderful evening that included dinner, a pre-concert chat session, and concert which was titled “Sax and Strings.” The students, who are members of Dr. G’s music history class, have been recently studying the music of the Baroque and Classical periods.
“This was a great fit” says Dr. G, because “music from two great composers from these periods, were on the program.” One being the Brandenburg Concerto No. 3, by Johann S. Bach and the other, being the well-known Eine Klein Nachtmusik, by Wolfgang A. Mozart.
To complete the program, the students were treated to works by Samuel Barber, Benjamin Britten, and Alexander Glazunov. The Glazunov Concerto, for Alto Saxophone was the highlight of the program and featured guest artist, Matthew Ennis.
Many thanks goes to several people: Judi, from the San Bernardino Symphony who offered the students great seats at a very affordable price; Veronica Elder from CHS for providing the bus with grant money. Two musicians, including Ana Maria Maldonado, principal cellist, and bassist, Harvey Newmark, who took the time to offer some musical “shop talk” with the students and answer questions.
“I believe the students thoroughly enjoyed the concert and learned a lot,” shares Dr. G, in reflection to the successful concert experience. This is the 18th year that CHS students have been treated to such a high caliber musical experience.